A restaurant owner in Shirley, Birmingham, has issued a desperate plea for a heavier police presence following a violent machete attack on two teenagers outside his establishment. Maan Al Naif, who runs Cleopatra's Kitchen on Stratford Road, says he is now "scared" to operate in an area that has seen a sharp increase in crime and antisocial behaviour.
Violent Attack Outside Egyptian Restaurant
The incident occurred at approximately 9pm on Saturday, February 7th, when a group of youths attacked two children aged 14 and 15 with machetes directly outside Cleopatra's Kitchen. The attack lasted about one minute, leaving both victims with serious stab wounds to their faces and bodies, though fortunately their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Al Naif described witnessing the horrifying scene: "I saw they were chopping them with machetes and locked the door. I didn't want anyone else to get hurt." He reported that one victim suffered a severe head wound and another nasty cut to his arm, while the other teenager sustained a deep cut to his nose and was covered in blood.
Restaurant Owner's Plea for Action
The Egyptian restaurant, which opened in 2023, was forced to close immediately following the attack, with Al Naif washing blood from the pavement the following morning. He expressed frustration with what he perceives as inadequate police response to ongoing issues in the area.
"Shirley used to be beautiful, and I loved working here, but now I'm scared," Al Naif told local media. "Since last year, I've seen an increase in stuff like this. Customers are scared to come into the area now because there's always kids about."
The restaurant owner revealed he has repeatedly raised concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour with police officers, but feels his complaints have been ignored. "They say they can't do anything because the kids are underage," he stated bluntly.
Broader Concerns About Youth Crime
Al Naif's experience reflects wider concerns in the Shirley community, which borders Hall Green - another area affected by underage knife crime following the death of Leo Ross last year. The restaurant owner believes current laws overly protect young offenders.
"Kids are heavily protected by the law in this country, I think we need to be harsher with punishment," he argued. "That's why we see so much crime with young kids because they can get away with it."
He described regular problems with young people being abusive in his shop, making noise, and swearing at staff when asked to leave. The recent violent attack has pushed him to consider relocating his business entirely. "If one more incident happens like this, I think I'm going to find a different location," he warned.
Police Response and Investigation
West Midlands Police confirmed they have arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the attack. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
A police spokesperson acknowledged community concerns, stating: "We understand the concern in the community following this serious incident. We will have extra officers in the area tonight and in the coming days to offer reassurance."
Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information, including dashcam or mobile phone footage, to come forward. The crime reference number is 20/140175/26.
Al Naif reported that the victims managed to stagger to a nearby shop called Boss Mart before collapsing, likely due to blood loss. The traumatic experience left him unable to sleep until 4am, prompting his call for enhanced weekend police patrols on what should be a busy high street.
